Edge Lane landowner ‘won’t be forced out’

Jan 8 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

THE multi-millionaire owner of three of Liverpool’s worst “eyesores” last night said he would not be “driven in despair” to sell his holdings.

Derwent Holdings, owned by Isle of Man-based property tycoon Albert Gubay, said certain elements at the city council were determined the company would not develop its holdings in Edge Lane.

Derwent’s statement was released following the exclusive disclosure in the Daily Post on Saturday that Mr Gubay had offered to clear the city’s £20m shortfall in Capital of Culture finances in exchange for a plot of land and planning permission for a retail park.

In the summer, the company said it had £200m plans for a retail park, but has yet to submit planning permission.

A council spokesman said Derwent, which has been told to clear up derelict properties, was treated no differently to other developers and it should keep its property in a good condition.

Last night, Derwent MD Peter Willers said in 1986/87 derelict factories were acquired, demolished and redeveloped as Edge Lane retail park.

He said in 1999 the council and the company were about to exchange contracts with the council for the acquisition and development of Rathbone Road recreation park but the council reneged on the deal.

“By 2007, it became clear to us that the council’s aspirations for the redevelopment of the Rathbone Road recreation park and the adjoining Edge Lane retail park were far lower than that which we envisaged.

“Accordingly, we discontinued those negotiations and have, since then, made various planning applications on our land holdings in Edge Lane, all of which have, so far, been refused.”

He said that certain elements at the council “are determined we shall not redevelop Edge Lane and that by making life continuously difficult for us, we shall be driven in despair to sell our land holdings in Edge Lane.

“We must make it very clear that this simply will not happen.”

He said the council had been forced to pay the company costs in respect of a number of legal actions.

Last night a council spokesman said: “We would deny that we treat Derwent any differently to other developers. We would expect any responsible landholder to maintain their sites in a good condition.”

davidbartlett